Effects of lumbosacral subarachnoid catheterization in horses.

This research evaluates the impact of long-duration subarachnoid catheterization on horses. The study concludes that this type of catheterization may cause an inflammatory reaction but does not produce signs of neurological dysfunction or heart and respiratory changes, making it preferred for monitoring CSF pressure or for repeated collection.

Methods

• The study is a prospective experimental study conducted on five clinically healthy adult horses. The average weight of these horses was around 511 kg.
• Subarachnoid catheters were inserted into the horses under the influence of sedation and local anesthesia. The catheters were maintained for a period of 48 hours while the horses were standing.
• Throughout the 48-hour period, the horses were closely monitored and samples of their cerebrospinal fluid were tested for cellularity and the presence of bacteria.
• Vital signs like heart rate, respiratory rate, arterial blood pressure, and body temperature were recorded regularly.
• Their locomotor activity (movements) were carefully graded and recorded as well.
• The data collected at baseline was statistically compared to the data collected at 12, 24, and 48 hours using one-way repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni’s test.

Results

• The result of the study showed that subarachnoid catheterization in horses triggered an acute inflammatory reaction within 12 hours, as indicated by a significant increase in their white blood cell count in the CSF (sign of an immune response).
• However, there was no bacterial contamination encountered during the study.
• The study found no significant differences in the horses’ heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, and arterial blood pressure post the catheterization.
• Furthermore, there were no signs of motor ataxia (loss of control of bodily movements) or proprioceptive deficits (loss of sense of joint movement or positioning) in the horses during the 48-hour catheterization period.

Conclusions

• The study concluded that despite the inflammatory reaction, 48 hours of subarachnoid catheterization in horses did not result in observable signs of neurological dysfunction or cardiovascular and respiratory changes.
• Due to these findings, subarachnoid catheterization in horses is recommended for monitoring CSF pressure or for repeated collection.
• The knowledge gained from this study regarding the effects of catheterization alone is beneficial for clinicians as it equips them to better interpret any abnormalities in CSF collected.